Tottenham Hotspur Reduced the Lead of Leicester

Tottenham Hotspur produced an outstanding display to thrash Stoke City by 4-0 and move five points behind leaders Leicester City with four games of the season remaining. Harry Kane’s sublime curling finish, his 23rd Premier League goal of the season, set them on their way before Christian Eriksen hit the crossbar. Dele Alli doubled the lead before he hit a post when it was easier to score. Kane rolled in the third, which was his 24th, before Alli’s right-foot volley wrapped up Spurs’ ninth away league win of the season.

The result lifted Mauricio Pochettino’s side to 68 points from 34 matches, with Leicester on 73 from the same number of games. Tottenham Hotspur’s travelling fans at the Britannia Stadium chanted “Leicester City – we’re coming for you” after Alli’s chip made it 2-0. Had Spurs lost, Leicester could have been champions next Monday, but the visitors were in control from start to finish as they turned on the style on what could be a pivotal day in the race for the title.

After the Foxes’ leading scorer Jamie Vardy was left facing the possibility of an increased ban after being charged with improper conduct by the Football Association, Stoke were blown away by a dynamic and aggressive display as Tottenham Hotspur showed no signs of pressure. Eriksen was involved in three of the four goals, Kane has now scored more Premier League goals than relegated Aston Villa this season, and Alli is in double figures.

Leicester City’s final four matches are against Swansea (home), Manchester United (away), Everton (home) and Chelsea (away). Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, face West Brom (home), Chelsea (away), Southampton (home) and Newcastle (away). Spurs have the best attack (64 goals) and the best defence (25 conceded) in the Premier League this season and there is a feeling their title charge is gathering momentum at the right time.